Fidelco Ride for Independence

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard!

Each August 4 the U.S. Coast Guard celebrates its birthday.

The Coast Guard is one of America's five armed forces and traces its founding to August 4, 1790, when the first Congress authorized the construction of 10 vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of federal revenue. Responsibilities added over the years included humanitarian duties such as aiding mariners in distress.

The service received its present name in 1915 when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form a single maritime service dedicated to the safety of life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws.

The Coast Guard is a multi-mission, maritime, military service and the smallest of the five Armed Services. Its mission is to protect the public, the environment and U.S. economic interests in the nation's waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security.

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation honors America’s five Armed Services annually during the Ride for Independence. This year’s Ride takes place on Sunday, October 7. Learn more about supporting the event at: www.fidelco.org.